Fifty Essential English Phrases Every Nanny Needs to Know

Level: Beginner to Intermediate · Reading time: 8 minutes

Knowing single words is useful, but knowing whole phrases is even better. When you learn a phrase, you learn the grammar, the word order and the right tone all at once. You can use it straight away, without translating in your head.

The 50 phrases below are the ones nannies use again and again: with the parents, with the children, and in the world outside the home. Try practising a few each day. Say them out loud, and use them at work as soon as you can.

Starting the day with the parents

"Good morning! How did she sleep last night?"

A friendly way to start, and it helps you plan the day.

"Is there anything I need to know about today?"

Parents may forget to mention appointments or changes to routine. This question reminds them.

"What time will you be home?"

"Has he had breakfast yet?"

"Is it OK if we go to the park this afternoon?"

"Is it OK if...?" is a simple, polite way to ask permission.

Asking questions and checking

"Could you show me how this works?"

Perfect for new equipment, like a steriliser, a car seat or the washing machine.

"Just to check, did you say three o'clock?"

Checking is professional, not rude. Always make sure you confirm any details you may have missed or misheard.

"Sorry, could you say that again, please?"

Never pretend you understood. Parents will be happy to repeat.

"What does 'fussy' mean?"

Use this for any new word you hear.

"How would you like me to handle it when he refuses to eat?"

This shows you respect the parents' way of doing things.

"Where do you keep the spare nappies?"

Telling the parents about the day

"We had a lovely day."

Start with something positive, even on a difficult day.

"She ate most of her lunch, but she didn't touch the peas."

"He had a nap from one until half past two."

"We did some painting and went to the library."

"She was a bit grumpy this afternoon. I think she might be tired."

"I think" and "might" make it sound gentle, not like a complaint.

"We're running low on milk."

"Running low on" means there's only a little left.

Tricky conversations with the parents

"Could we have a quick chat when you have a minute?"

Use this when you need to talk about something important. Choose a calm time.

"I just wanted to let you know that he bumped his head today."

"I just wanted to let you know" is a soft way to share news, good or bad.

"I'm really sorry, I'm running about ten minutes late."

Always tell the parents as early as possible if you're running late.

"Would it be possible to have next Friday off?"

"Would it be possible...?" is very polite. It's good for asking for bigger things.

"I'm not comfortable with that. Could we talk about it?"

You are allowed to say no to things that feel unsafe or wrong. Say it calmly.

"I think there's been a misunderstanding."

This is much softer than "You're wrong."

Daily routines with the children

"Time to get dressed!"

"Let's wash our hands before we eat."

"Let's" makes an instruction sound like a team activity.

"Can you try one more bite?"

"Five more minutes, then it's time to go."

Warning children before a change helps to avoid tantrums.

"Shoes on, coat on, and off we go!"

"Time for your nap. Let's find your teddy."

"Which book would you like tonight?"

Giving a choice helps children feel in control.

Praise and encouragement

"Well done! You did it all by yourself."

"I love how you shared your toys with your sister."

Praise the action, not just the child. This tells them exactly what they did well.

"That was a great try. Let's do it together."

"Tell me about your picture."

This is better than "What is it?", which can upset a child if it's obvious to them!

"I'm so proud of you."

Feelings and behaviour

"Gentle hands, please."

"We don't hit. Hitting hurts."

Short, clear and calm. Children understand simple rules best.

"I can see you're upset. Would you like a cuddle?"

"Use your words. Tell me what's wrong."

"First we tidy up, then we can play outside."

"First... then..." helps children understand what happens next.

"Let's take a big breath together." (more specific instead of "Calm down")

Keeping children safe

"Stop! Wait for me."

Practise this one until it's automatic. In a dangerous moment, you need to say it fast.

"Hold my hand when we cross the road."

"That's hot. Don't touch."

"When I say stop, you need to stop. Otherwise we can't play outside"

Out and about

"Hi, I'm Maria. I'm Leo's nanny."

Use this to introduce yourself to teachers, other parents and nannies.

"I'm here to pick up Sophie."

Schools and nurseries may ask for a password or ID, so check with the parents first.

"Would your little one like to play with mine?"

A friendly way to start a conversation at the park, and to make nanny friends too!

Emergencies

"I need an ambulance. The address is 12 Oak Road."

Always know the full address of the house. In the UK call 999, and in the US call 911.

"She's had a small accident, but she's OK. I'm calling to let you know."

Start with "she's OK" so the parents don't panic, then explain what happened.

Three tips for sounding polite

Use softening words. English speakers often add small words to sound polite: "Could you...?", "Would it be possible...?", "I just wanted to...", "I think...". These make a big difference, especially when you talk to the parents.

Say "please", "thank you" and "sorry" often. In British English especially, "sorry" is used all the time, even for small things: "Sorry, could you say that again?"

Keep it short with young children. With children, simple phrases work best. Save your longer, polite sentences for the adults.

Quick quiz

Which phrase can you use when you don't understand something?

Why is "Tell me about your picture" better than "What is it?"

What should you say first when you call a parent about an accident?

Complete the phrase: "First we tidy up, ______ we can play outside."

Answers: 1) "Sorry, could you say that again, please?" 2) Because the child might feel upset if you don't recognise their drawing. 3) That the child is OK. 4) Then.